Raptors F and recently-signed Nike endorser Vince
Carter "is the center" of an $18M ad campaign around Nike's
new Shox shoe (see THE DAILY, 10/4), according to USA
TODAY's Michael McCarthy, who notes that Carter and other
NBA players will wear the Shox shoe this season. Carter's
first TV spots under the campaign, called "Boing," launch in
January, and Nike is negotiating to use images of Carter's
"in-your-face dunk over hapless" 7'2" France C Frederic Weis
at the Sydney Games. Nike Dir of Brand Initiatives Dave
Larson, on the shoe, whose "spring-like columns" produce a
trampoline-style effect: "This industry needs a lighting rod
right now. Sales are flat, and retailers are looking for a
kick-start. We're doing what we can to jazz up the
industry" (USA TODAY, 10/17).
HIGH-TECH HIGH-TOPS: In Boston, Tom Kirchofer notes
that Nike and Reebok are "close to bringing computerized
devices to the market that will tell runners and walkers how
far and how fast they're moving." Reebok's Smart Train
shoe, priced at $110 and $250 (see THE DAILY, 9/22), will
have a "limited availability in December, with a wider
launch next year," and Nike's $199 SDM Triax 100 model
"should be available next month" (BOSTON HERALD, 10/17).
